The third African Business and Human Rights Forum (ABHRF), held from 8 to 10 October 2024, has released the Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights: Voices from the African Business and Human Rights Forum. This outcome represents the discussions and views of delegates from African governments, the private sector, civil society, development partners, and other key stakeholders who examined the complex intersection between business operations and human rights on the continent. 

Hon. Dr. Litha Musyimi-Ogana, Commissioner of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) and Vice Chairperson of the Working Group on Extractive Industries, Environment, and Human Rights Violations, expressed concern that, despite the existence of a Pillar on Corporate Governance in the African Peer Review Mechanism, the lack of, or weak, national regulatory regimes governing business entities on the continent, as well as the inadequate observance of human and peoples’ rights, environmental, and transparency standards, have meant that the operations of businesses often result in various human rights concerns.

The Nairobi Declaration, therefore, calls on African governments to align national laws with international human rights frameworks, expedite the development and strengthening of the implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on business and human rights, and prioritise the protection of vulnerable and marginalised groups, including women, children, and Indigenous Peoples.

The Assistant Secretary-General and CEO of the UN Global Compact, Ms. Sanda Ojiambo, noted that over 90 per cent of the Sustainable Development Goals are directly linked to international human rights standards. While the global stocktaking shows that not enough businesses are translating their human rights ambitions into action, African businesses committing to responsible, ethical practices aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights increase their credibility and competitiveness in global markets.

Throughout the forum, discussions emphasised the necessity for businesses operating on the continent to adopt rights-respecting practices that advance socioeconomic development and ensure accountability for workers and communities most affected by their activities. It also reflects a shared vision and a clear pathway for business practices by placing human rights at the core of economic growth. It highlights the need for fair, inclusive, and rights-based business practices, particularly in global supply chains, green transitions, and conflict-affected regions.

In her keynote address, the Kenyan Attorney General, Ms Dorcas Oduor, recognised the growing awareness across Africa of the critical intersection between business activities and the protection of human rights. She underscored Kenya’s unwavering commitment to integrating human rights considerations into businesses and business operations, ensuring that economic development does not come at the expense of human dignity and justice. She noted that Kenya is the first African country to have designed a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights.

Africa is crucial in shaping global responsible business practices and fostering ongoing collaboration among governments, civil society, and international partners. Delegates called for the integration of human rights into business strategies, increased facilitation of corporate accountability, and the protection of vulnerable groups through access to remedy mechanisms and innovative approaches that empower affected communities.

Dr. Zeynu Ummer, the Director of the UNDP Resilience Hub for Africa, observed that, with the continent’s rapid economic growth rate of 3.8% to 4.2%, Africa is the world’s second-fastest-growing region. However, economic and social progress must be ethical, inclusive, and equitable to guarantee a significant impact on society as a whole.

Representatives from civil society called for a rethink of how policies and laws are developed, ensuring the safeguarding of people and the environment, not profit—emphasising that the voices of Indigenous peoples, women, children, and workers must be at the heart of policymaking and implementation—not an afterthought.

Marcel Akpovo, Regional Representative, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights emphasised that collaboration among all stakeholders is indispensable in advocating for change, strengthening legal frameworks, improving enforcement, supporting victims of human rights abuses and promotion of responsible business conduct and transparency in the supply chain.

As countries design and implement National Action Plans on business and human rights, it is crucial to recognise and confirm that children’s rights must be fully integrated to improve child rights development and enhance child rights protection in Africa. 

Etleva Kadilli, UNICEF Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa, noted that at a time when governments are developing legislation on responsible business conduct and reshaping trade relations, ensuring the inclusion of children’s rights is critical not only to meet regulatory requirements but also to contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of African societies.

The solid foundation for integrating human rights into regional development efforts, provided by the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the AU-UN Joint Framework for Peace, Security, Development, and Human Rights in Africa, can promote responsible business conduct and corporate accountability. The Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights urges African businesses and governments to leverage opportunities, including emerging technologies and The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to drive inclusive and sustainable economic growth, promote responsible business practices, and ensure that trade and investment in Africa are conducted in a manner that respects human rights and the environment.

Read in full: The Nairobi Declaration on Business and Human Rights: Voices from the African Business and Human Rights Forum.